Robbo’s delight as Posh pass physical examination

Alan Swann

Peterborough United manager Dave Robertson was delighted with the way his side stood up to a strong physical challenge in a friendly at Barnet last night (July 21).

Posh extended their unbeaten summer run to five matches with a 2-1 win at The Hive. New signing Soulimayne Coulibaly scored his first goal for the club - and celebrated with his trademark back-flip - before Harry Anderson added a second goal.

Barnet, who employed a robust, direct style throughout, replied through Michael Gash with the last kick of the game.

Latest recruit Lee Angol made his Posh debut as a second-half substitute.

Robertson left most of his big-hitters out of the game so a fourth pre-season win was a laudable achievement. Teenage goalkeeper Dion-Curtis Henry enjoyed a fine match.

“Winning is a great habit to have even in pre-season,” Robertson stated. “But it was the manner of the win that pleased me here. We had to withstand a strong physical challenge from a team that plays direct football and for so many young players to come through it unscathed was very impressive.

“It was a good test because teams like Bradford City play like Barnet. They play the ball long and feed off a big man. Barnet have the quality and experience to make it work, but we coped with it well. Our application and bravery was magnificent.

“We earned the right to play and in the end our quality and fitness levels shone through. It was great to see Souli get his first goal and Harry Anderson took his goal well as well.

“Our goalkeeper played well and not just with his saves. He also played out well from the back which is what I want from my goalkeeper.

“Young Tobi Adebayo-Rowling was also very good and the new signings all played a part.

“The only disappointments were conceding a goal right at the end and that fact that we only scored two goals! We’re used to scoring more than that.

“In all seriousness I am very happy with the amount of goals and they are coming from everywhere. All the strikers have scored which is important, our wingers hve scored and midfielders like Michael Bostwick and defenders like Ricardo Santos have all been on target.”

Posh are next in friendly action at home to Ipswich on Saturday (July 25, 3pm kick off). The London Road terrace will be shut for this match.